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The identity trap of community renewable energy in France

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  • Vernay, Anne-Lorène
  • Olsthoorn, Mark
  • Sebi, Carine
  • Gauthier, Caroline

Abstract

Although growing in number, the contribution of Community Renewable Energy (CRE) organizations to the Grand Challenge of energy transition remains small in volume. Scholars have attempted to explain and understand why CRE organization may not want or be able to scale up and highlighted the role of both exogenous and endogenous factors. This paper contributes to this work by analysing how organizational identity (OI) influences CRE organizations’ scaling strategy. Building on both OI literature and institutional logic literature, we formulate hypotheses about the relationships between OI and scaling strategies. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a survey among members of French CRE organizations. Results provide evidence that there is a high consensus among CRE members about what CRE OI is and that few members aspire their organization to change. We also show that a limited membership base would prioritize scaling strategies that are likely to increase institutional complexity. We summarize these results by arguing that French CRE organizations are facing an identity trap that limits their scaling potential. We discuss how CRE organization could escape this identity trap. Above its contribution to current scholarly debates on CRE organizations scaling potential, this research has implications for policy makers and CRE organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Vernay, Anne-Lorène & Olsthoorn, Mark & Sebi, Carine & Gauthier, Caroline, 2023. "The identity trap of community renewable energy in France," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:177:y:2023:i:c:s0301421523001477
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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